Gordon said the earlier message, a quote from the Bible, was taken out of historical context. “It has nothing to do with now,” he said.

Gordon said the earlier message was inspired by the Mel Gibson film “The Passion of The Christ,” which some criticize as anti-Semitic.

But even in apology, Gordon continued to stir up controversy, commenting that Jews should forgive Germans for the Holocaust. Gordon said that idea came from answering hundreds of angry phone calls and e-mails, many from Jews.

“The connection to the Holocaust is, in and of itself, offensive,” said Bruce DeBoskey, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. “Thats an unacceptable way to communicate a message, especially about such a painful event as the Holocaust.”

Colorado and national Jewish and Christian leaders condemned Gordons first message, as did the United Pentecostal Church International, which said they believe “all of humanity was complicit” in the death of Jesus.

A Jewish woman who drove by the sign stopped to buy a ladder and removed the word “Jews” herself after no one answered her knocking at the church. The rest of the sign came down the same day.

Gordons signs have a history of controversy, condemning homosexuality, extramarital sex and abortion throughout the years. But the 74-year-old pastor said he hadnt expected the latest furor.